Perth, Australia Travel Guide - City Beaches
Surfing and Swimming at Cottesloe, Scarborough and City Beach
Oct 24, 2008
Nothing sums up Australia better than surf and sand and Western Australia boats a magnificent coastline, full of stunning beaches. Part of the appeal of a visit to Perth is undoubtedly the fact that it possesses some of the finest city beaches in the whole country.
Cottesloe Beach
One of the city's most popular beaches, Cottesloe inhabits a truly beautiful setting. A forest of Norfolk Pines and the old Indian Tea House look down upon a vast stretch of golden sand. Cottesloe is one of Perth's best surfing beaches and is also ideal for swimming.
- Cottesloe is situated on the coast between Perth and Fremantle. If arriving by public transport, it's a short walk to the beach from the train station.
- A beautiful coastal path and cycle track runs between Perth and Fremantle, going via Cottesloe.
- There are picnic tables and changing facilities on the grassy area at the top of the beach.
- The bar and restaurant of Cottesloe Beach Hotel have a great view overlooking the beach.
Scarborough Beach
A trip to Scarborough will be a highlight of any visit to Perth. It's possibly the city's best surfing beach as well as one of the most popular hangouts, particularly for the younger crowd. As well as surfing it's a great place to swim or go body boarding, and is home to one of Perth's major life saving clubs.
The beach is often busy - with games of beach volleyball and beach cricket going on, but there's so much room that it's not hard to find that quiet spot for sunbathing with a good book either.
- Scarborough is packed with cafe's, restaurants, smoothie bars and surf shops, and makes for a great day out.
- Accommodation varies from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels.
- It's around a 15-20 minute drive from Perth. If travelling on public transport, bus number 400 arrives here from the city.
City Beach
City Beach is good for swimming and its excellent facilities - picnic tables, barbecues, changing rooms and children's playground, make it ideal for families. It's also home to the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club.
- A coastal walk and cycle path start here and run to Hillarys Boat Harbour.
- City Beach is around a 15 minute drive from Perth and there is ample car parking available.
Trigg Island Beach
Most popular with surfers and body boarders, though there is also an excellent snorkelling beach - Mettams Pool - to the north of the surfing area. Trigg Nature Reserve, a wildlife and bird watching destination, is opposite Trigg Beach.
Swanbourne Beach: A clothing optional beach at the far end of Cottesloe.
Floreat Beach
12km west of the city, Floreat Beach, which features a long stretch of white sand and a grassy park, is a two time winner of Perth's Best Beach award.
Sorrento Beach
Family friendly beach that is good for swimming. It also has a grassy picnic area and is nearby to Hillarys Boat Harbour - bustling with cafes and restaurants and home to the Aquarium of Western Australia.
Rottnest Island
There is a wonderful array of beaches on this island, off the coast of Fremantle. Fantastic locations for snorkelling, diving, surfing or simply lazing away in the sun. Some of the highlights include The Basin, West End and Salmon Bay.
North of Perth
- Lancelin - 130km from Perth, this is one of the best spots in Western Australia for windsurfing.
- Hangover Bay - In Nambung National Park (home to the Pinnacles Desert) this beach has flawless white sand and turquoise water that is ideal for surfing and windsurfing.
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